Title: Protesting for Change
Author: Cody Elizabeth Handy
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 9781669811329
Pages: 42
Genre: Children’s Book/Education
Reviewed by: Barbara Bamberger Scott
Pacific Book Review
Writer and educator Cody Elizabeth Handy has created a story that resonates with the real-life complexities faced by black children in today’s conflicted society.
Her book begins as a girl named Morgan and her older brother Antoine see signs proclaiming “Black Lives Matter” as they make their way to school. They know there had been a large, organized protest the previous night, and fortunately, Morgan’s teacher has decided to have his students join in a “restorative circle” to discuss the current happenings. The children chime in – a Black man had been killed by police, even
though he had not been committing any crime, “just because of the color of his skin.” Their teacher tells them that what is being protested is racism, in a raw form, with Black people being treated differently “based on the color of their skin.” The signs that people carry express the need for real change: “Justice Brings Peace,” “End Police Brutality.” He also specifies that some people who are not part of the peaceful marching efforts may do destructive things unrelated to the need for genuine change. Morgan and Antoine will talk to their parents over supper; their father has already given them “the talk” and reminds them of the Civil Rights Movement, its similarities to Black Lives Matter efforts, and of some positive steps that have resulted from the current movement such as the commemoration of Juneteenth. The two youngsters take on new assignments: Antoine will write a letter based on the words of activist Representative John Lewis, and Morgan will create a protest sign.
Author Handy has written other books dealing with similar subject matter, presenting the school room and home environment as a child’s focus for problem-solving. This current work is both informative and emotive, showing the doubt and desire of the children as they learn more about the issues besetting their country and their heritage and resolve to do what they can to make things better. All material, though undeniably serious, is presented in a calming forum – children sitting together, thinking together – and with an overarching sense of determination and dedication to change, no matter how slow it may seem at times. There is no doubt that Handy’s work can and will be utilized by teachers and parents of children of all races, to illuminate the challenges that all Americans face regarding race, discrimination, and violence.
